Therapeutic Riding - Horse
Therapy for Children and Adults with Special Needs

The Center's Therapeutic Riding program benefits children and adults who have a variety of special needs relating to cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and autism to stroke recovery and learning disabilities. Students ride specially trained horses with our certified instructors in weekly sessions to develop increased balance and muscle control, improve concentration and short-term memory, and enhance their confidence and self-esteem.

See how Therapeutic Riding at Helen Woodward Animal Center makes a positive impact in the life of Shannon and her family.

Therapeutic Riding News and Notes

Many thanks to all the volunteers and shoppers who made our August tack sale a big success! Over $1,200 was raised to benefit the special horses and riders of our program. A big special thank you to Evonne Spineto for all your time and effort to help promote and organize the tack sale - not to mention some great salesmanship at the sale itself! If you missed out on the great deals and selection, have no fear, our next tack sale is scheduled for Saturday March 14, 2015.

As 2014 zips along, the next big event on the horizon is our Annual Horse Show on Saturday October 11 at 10:00am. The Horse Show is that once-a-year opportunity for our students to be in the spotlight, as family and friends come to cheer them on. Skills are displayed, trophies are earned, and fun is had by all. If you’d like to be a part of the horse show but don’t know your posting trot from your leg yield, consider becoming a sponsor! Various levels of individual and corporate sponsorship are available, and all directly benefit the therapeutic riding program. For more information on horse show sponsorships, please email program manager Alicia Roe at aliciar@animalcenter.org.